COVID-19 is not only exacerbating negative stereotypes about seniors, but legitimizing them.

by Linda Matchan

PERSPECTIVE

“Like most people I’ve been contemplating the ways the coronavirus has upended my plans. These range from the likely postponement of my daughter’s June wedding to the probable rescheduling of my fall adventure: a 500-mile hike in Spain.

“Then came a text from my neighbors next door, shut in with a baby and a toddler. ‘Let us know if there’s anything we can help you with in the midst of all this,’ they wrote. It was a kind and generous gesture, typical of their everyday thoughtfulness. So why was I bristling?

“Because I suspected they were offering help since I’m (gasp!) over 60. Which, in the Age of Coronavirus, has been defined as frail or vulnerable.”

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